"Twisted Fairytale" features 62 Sarasota High School drama students, from freshmen to seniors.

The actors are presenting seven performances; the musical comedy opened Wednesday and continues through Saturday. They are encouraging the community to attend.

"People should come and see the show," freshman Amber Kerry, a first-year drama student, said. "Because it is different from all of the others. It is unique."

Drama teacher Melissa Dweck wrote "Twisted Fairytale."

She was the Sarasota High teacher of the year in 2011 and one of the top three finalists for Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. Her drama students refer to her as "Miss D."

Dweck said her goal was to answer all of the unanswered questions from other fairy tales and stories, like: Who is the mother of Gaston from "Beauty and the Beast?"

In addition to one matinee and five evening performances in the Sarasota High auditorium, Dweck said the student actors will perform for more than 1,200 middle and high school students on Friday.

Griffyn Holcomb, a junior, has been a member of the drama team since he was a freshman.

He performs the role of Aiden Charming as well as The Mad Hatter.

"The play has comedy, romance, it has everything," Griffyn said.

As one of his roles, senior Andrew Truman portrays Noah Charming in the "Noah and the Huntsman" act of the play.

"It's fun to see the characters, but it's really cool to see how everything comes together" in the end, he said.

Andrew has been an actor in the drama club for four years.

"It's difficult to play two characters," Andrew said. "We just work twice as hard. "I think I have four lines where my characters are literally speaking to each other."

Fellow cast member Gryffin urged, "Come see the Sarasota High School's performance of 'Twisted Fairytale' because the true magic of these classic stories is bringing them to life."

Holiday party toy drive benefits at-risk children

The Child Protection Center teamed with Sarasota Architectural Salvage to host "Find Your Heart," a holiday party and toy drive to benefit the Child Protection Center.

The party will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the business, 1093 Central Ave., Sarasota. Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped gift for a child or teenager to the party.

The event will provide much-needed funds as well as toys for the children, said Josephine Eisenberg, development director at the center.

"We want to make sure that all of the children get something for Christmas," she said.

Eisenberg recalled a boy who was removed from his home last Christmas, following abuse accusations.

"He had an emergency medical exam, then he was removed," Eisenberg said. "He is 6 years old, severely wounded, and the only thing he wanted to know was 'How is Santa going to find me?' Of course, we made sure that Santa found him."

Tickets to the event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the center, the toys are given to the children and the nonprofit also receives a portion of the profits from purchases made at Sarasota Architectural Salvage during the event.

The center provides programs to serve children who are victims of abuse.

"We help them learn to be a survivor, learn to process the abuse and learn how to protect themselves," Eisenberg said.

Processing abuse for anyone is difficult, Eisenberg said, but especially for a youngster.

"We teach them to have hope despite their circumstances — to process that they are more than a victim," she said. "These are kids who have been severely wounded. We serve as their voice, to provide protection and healing until they can become whole and healthy again."

For tickets, call 362-0803. To make a direct donation to the center, call Eisenberg at 365-1277, Ext. 103.

Chabad hosts party at Phillippi Estate Park

Chabad of Sarasota will host its annual "A Taste of Chanukah" celebration.